T-Mobile experienced a significant data breach in 2021, where data of millions of customers was compromised. Names, addresses, phone numbers, and social security numbers were stolen in this cyber attack. Due to this serious security failure, T-Mobile was compelled to settle a deal of $350 million (approximately Rs 2900 crore) to compensate consumers who were affected.
If you previously had a T-Mobile account as of August 1, 2021, you can claim this settlement.
T-Mobile Data Breach Settlement Details
On August 16, 2021, T-Mobile made it public that information of over 76 million consumers was leaked during a cyber attack. The hacking was done by American hacker John Bins, who made away with the data by exploiting the poor security practices of T-Mobile.
Binns attempted to sell this hacked information on the dark web for $270,000. The case points out weaknesses in T-Mobile’s security practices and underscores the importance of enhancing cybersecurity awareness.
$350 Million Settlement Facts
Description | Information |
---|---|
Company | T-Mobile |
Settlement Amount | $350 million |
Payment Status | Payment to start in 2025 |
Payment Method | Check or Direct Deposit |
Eligibility | Customers prior to August 1, 2021 |
Official Website | www.t-mobilesettlement.com |
Which customers are eligible for this settlement?
All the customers whose details were compromised during this cyber attack are included in the T-Mobile data breach settlement. The below-mentioned conditions will have to be met in order to claim compensation:
- Your T-Mobile account has to be active prior to August 1, 2021.
- Your personal information must have leaked.
- If you have incurred any sort of financial loss, you can claim for additional compensation.
- California-based customers will be provided a minimum of $25 to $100, even if they have not incurred any financial loss.
The mastermind of T-Mobile data breach
The mastermind behind this attack was an American hacker by the name of John Bins, who himself had confessed that T-Mobile’s security system was extremely weak. He hacked into millions of customers’ data and tried to sell it on the dark web, compromising the personal information of millions.
Subsequently, John Binns was detained in Turkey on the orders of US authorities. After the incident, T-Mobile was forced to consent to pay $350 million to settle legal suits and compensate customers who were affected.
How much compensation will be received in T-Mobile data breach settlement?
According to this T-Mobile settlement, customers will be compensated on the following terms:
- If you have suffered financial losses:
- Consumers who have incurred fraud or economic loss can get compensation up to a maximum of $25,000.
- If you wasted time coping with identity theft or security issues:
- Customers will be compensated at the rate of $25 per hour.
- If you were a resident of California:
- You will get a stipulated amount of $25 to $100, even in the absence of direct damage.
How to claim compensation?
If you have been sent a Settlement Notice by T-Mobile, you can submit your claim. To submit a claim, follow the below steps:
- Collect the necessary documents:
- Bank statement
- Fraud report
- Evidence of expenses incurred to resolve the security issue
- Check periodically for updates:
- Call the Settlement Administrator at 1-833-512-2314 for further information.
- Go to the official website and complete the form:
- Go to www.t-mobilesettlement.com.
- Fill out your claim form and upload the required documents.
- Track the status of your claim after submitting it.
Conclusion
This T-Mobile data breach highlights the flaws in cybersecurity and put the confidential information of millions of customers at risk. However, this $350 million settlement has started the process of compensating the affected customers.
If you too have fallen victim to this cyber attack, then please file your case and receive full compensation. For details, go to the official website and exercise your rights.
FAQs
Q1. Who is eligible for the T-Mobile data breach settlement?
Customers who had a T-Mobile account on or before August 1, 2021, and whose personal data was compromised in the breach are eligible for compensation.
Q2. How much compensation can I receive?
Compensation varies: up to $25,000 for financial losses, $25 per hour for time spent resolving fraud issues, and $25 to $100 for California residents even without financial loss.
Q3. How can I file a claim?
You can file a claim by visiting www.t-mobilesettlement.com and submitting the required documents.
Q4. When will I receive my settlement payment?
Payments are expected to start in 2025 via check or direct deposit.
Q5. Who was responsible for the T-Mobile data breach?
American hacker John Binns admitted to breaching T-Mobile’s system due to weak security measures and attempted to sell customer data on the dark web.